Thoughts on The First Day of Summer 2016

Sometimes, life is going along so well I forget to spread the wealth and share the laughter and happiness I see and feel around me. And sometimes, there is such horror and sadness in the world, that it is hard to dig down into that reserve of resilience. The past few months have been a jolting ride not just for me personally, but for the United States, and the world. I can't help wondering if the rest of the universe is beset by such extremes. Of course, it must be, for as Neil deGrasse Tyson noted, "We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us." So, if for no other reason, we owe the universe to keep our tiny little corner of it peaceful and orderly.

Today is the first day of summer, the longest day of the year as calculated by the number of hours of daylight we can bask in. For many, it heralds the arrival of the season of outdoor activities, garden tending and vacation-taking. The time to build up our reserves of vitamin D and happy moments to bolster us when things are not so sunny. And after today, while the summer activities begin full-tilt, each day gets a little shorter. The universe keeps on moving the seasons along, spinning our Earth around the Sun, no matter what joys and sorrows collect on what Carl Sagan called "this little blue dot."

May you all find something to be joyful about today, on this Summer Solstice, and may your tiny corner of the universe be filled with laughter and happiness to strengthen your ability to deal with the darker days of winter.

We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/neildegras531166.htmlW

We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/neil_degrasse_tyson.html

We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/neil_degrasse_tyson.html

We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/neil_degrasse_tyson.html